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Oregon Travel Guide

The state of Oregon has one of the most diverse landscapes of
any state in the US, with its towering mountains, thick forests,
arid scrublands, wide prairies, deserts and scenic Pacific
coastline. Oregon lies in the northwest of the US, bordered by the
ocean, and the states of California, Washington, Idaho and Nevada.
Along its northern boundary lies the Columbia River, and its area
encompasses the fertile Willamette Valley and two mountain ranges
(Pacific Coast and Cascade) where lift-serviced alpine skiing is
offered.

Most of Oregon's countryside, from beaches and valleys to
mountain peaks, is unspoiled, and the state has been dubbed 'God's
country'. Oregon boasts natural attractions like Hell's Canyon, the
deepest river-carved gorge in northern America, as well as more
than 6,000 lakes (including famous Crater Lake, the deepest lake in
the USA), and more than a hundred thousand miles of rivers and
streams. In addition, more than half of the state is covered in
natural forest. This makes it a delight for nature lovers, although
its merits as a tourist destination are somewhat marred by an
over-abundance of rain.

Although Salem is the state capital, the largest city in Oregon
is Portland, straddling the Willamette River. The modern, compact
and vibrant city is the commercial and touristic hub of the state,
famed for its locally brewed beer and multitude of roses.

It is far easier to head west on the 'Oregon Trail' today than
it was for the historic pioneers in their covered wagons, but
visitors are no less delighted by the charms of this destination
than were the gutsy emigrants of the mid-1800s.

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